Dhaka: The World Trade Organization (WTO) has reaffirmed its commitment to assisting Bangladesh in achieving export diversification and enhancing its competitive standing in international markets. This commitment is primarily through the full implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and robust adherence to Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary (SPS) standards.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, WTO Deputy Director-General Xiangchen Zhang discussed specific support mechanisms tailored for Bangladesh, one of the first Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to ratify the TFA in 2016. Zhang highlighted Bangladesh's dedication to improving trade processes through its decision to ratify the agreement.
Zhang noted that by cutting trade costs, the WTO's agreement on trade facilitation helps Bangladesh's exporters access new markets. To ensure effective implementation, WTO members established the Trade Facilitation Agreement Facility (TFAF). This facility plays a crucial role in supporting developing economies, including LDCs like Bangladesh, by assisting them in accessing development partner support and targeting aid for ongoing TFA implementation needs.
Specific support has already been provided, with the Global Alliance on Trade Facilitation and the World Bank Group offering assistance to Bangladesh for implementing the TFA. Furthermore, developing and LDC members can apply for grants ranging from US$ 30,000 to $200,000 under the TFAF grant programme for capacity building measures, particularly when assistance from other development partners is unavailable.
Regarding SPS capacity and market access, Zhang stated that the WTO provides options to help developing members, including LDCs, strengthen their capacity in implementing the SPS agreement. These options range from using the e-Ping system to keep abreast of changes in SPS requirements to Transparency Champion Trainings and demand-driven in-country trainings to address implementation challenges.
Last year, WTO members adopted a declaration on special and differential treatment provisions in SPS and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) agreements. This declaration ensures that developing countries, including LDCs, receive timely assistance when standards or technical regulations are being established by members, so they have an opportunity to shape them.
In addition, the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) helps address particular SPS needs of developing countries, including LDCs. For instance, Bangladesh has been working with the STDF to build trade capacity of small-scale shrimp farmers, promote biopesticides, boost sea trade, and improve the implementation of SPS best practices for export-oriented vegetables.
Bangladesh's participation in the WTO-TFA and SPS agreements involves implementing trade procedures to simplify trade, enhance transparency, and improve border compliance, while also managing regulations to protect human, animal, and plant life and health. The country is working to implement the TFA to boost its export competitiveness and has established an SPS Information Management System to provide a one-stop source for SPS-related information for both exporters and importers.